We consulted residents across our High Risk Buildings (HRBs) in Bristol to understand how they want to receive building‑safety information and how they want to be involved in decisions about their homes. This forms part of our responsibilities under the Building Safety Act 2022 and is an important step in shaping our Building Safety Resident Engagement Plans.
What is a HRB?
A high-risk building (or "higher-risk building" - HRB) in England is generally defined under the Building Safety Act 2022 as a building at least 18 metres in height or having at least 7 storeys, which contains at least two residential units.
Across these buildings, almost 150 households received the consultation. Dozens of residents shared their views, providing valuable insight into what matters most to them.
Who Took Part
- Consultations covered multiple High Risk Buildings in Bristol, representing a total of 149 households.
- 29 residents responded across the buildings.
- Engagement varied, with response rates ranging from 17% to over 20% across the buildings.
- In both buildings, most residents received the consultation digitally, with only a small number receiving postal copies.
What Residents Told Us
Residents want clearer, more accessible building‑safety information
Across all buildings, residents said they want simple, easy‑to‑understand information about:
- How their building is constructed
- What building‑safety works are taking place
- What Abri is responsible for
- What residents are responsible for
- How often equipment like lifts, sprinklers and water systems is checked
- Short summaries of the Fire Risk Assessment
- Who contractors are and what work they are carrying out
Residents also raised building‑specific questions about:
- Fire hazards (e‑bikes, smoking, rubbish in communal areas)
- Security and building access
- Cleanliness and maintenance standards
- Pest issues
- Clarity around how safety‑related rules are enforced
Overall, residents want trustworthy, straightforward information that helps them feel safe where they live.
Many residents prefer digital communication — but letters and notices remain important
A strong theme across all Bristol HRBs was the importance of offering a mix of communication channels, including:
- MyAbri (the most frequently selected option)
- Posters and newsletters on noticeboards
- Letters or printed newsletters posted to homes
- Email updates
- Occasional in‑person or online sessions
This suggests that while digital channels are widely used, residents still value clear and accessible offline communication.
Residents want updates when something changes, not just yearly
Across all buildings, most residents said they prefer to receive building‑safety updates:
- Whenever something changes within their building, especially safety‑critical issues
- When something directly affects them
Only a small number preferred annual updates.
Several residents also requested more accessible communication formats such as:
- Easy‑read documents
- Simple language
- Large print
- Translations
- Audio or recorded versions
Residents want meaningful involvement in decisions
Across every Bristol HRB, residents consistently told us:
- They want to be consulted where there are options or choices around works
- They want Abri to follow the majority view
- They want their feedback to influence decision‑making
- They want to see visible action taken as a result of their experiences
Comments included themes such as:
- “Feedback should lead to action.”
- “We want clearer communication about decisions.”
- “We need transparency around building access and safety rules.”
Residents placed strong importance on being listened to and seeing change as a result.
Interest in resident panels varies, but building‑specific panels are strongly supported
Across Bristol, residents showed interest in two types of panels:
- A high‑risk‑buildings panel covering similar buildings
- A building‑specific panel, which received stronger support overall
Residents said they prefer:
- Local, building‑level discussions
- Topics that directly relate to their home
- Opportunities to influence decisions about safety, maintenance and communication
Many residents also expressed interest in meetings and ongoing engagement.
What Happens Next
Across our Bristol HRBs, residents have clearly told us what they need. Their views will inform how we communicate, consult and involve them in building‑safety decisions. This feedback has been used to shape tailored Resident Engagement Strategies for each building, ensuring they reflect residents’ preferences, communication needs and lived experiences.